Monday, March 11, 2013

Celluloid jewelry is fabulously fun! It comes in all varieties, from flowers to fanciful figurals. Often glitzed up with rhinestones and never boring.

A little history is always useful -

Celluloid was one of the first plastics to be widely used in making jewelry.
Celluloid is made from a natural plant fiber. Originally developed
in the 1850s in England, it was later popularized by John Wesley Hyatt in the U.S. It was most popular during the Art Deco period - 1920-1935.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Scottie dog was first introduced to America in the early 1890's. But didn't rise in popularity until between the First and Second World Wars. By 1936 it was the third most popular dog in the U.S. It's wonderful form and angular lines lent itself to the style of jewelry design of that age. Scotties became the rage in the costume jewelry world and was produced in many medias with wood being one of the most common. So now you know why all those Scottie dogs are out there in those endearing shapes, sizes and media. My dog is here. Wooden Scottie Dog Pin

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Dress clips were popular during the Art Deco and Art Nouveau jewelry movement and continued to be worn through the 50's. They were made of lesser cost materials such as brass, pot metal, bakelite or other plastics. Usually worn and sold in pairs. The clips on the back are wide and have 3 prongs that grip the fabric to hold it in place. I have always been fascinated by these wonderful and sometimes fanciful pieces. I rarely pass them up no matter how beat up or decrepit they are. I have been known to spend hours tracking down replacement rhinestones and painstakingly restoring them to their original splendor. Rarely do I find pairs, but no worries as I am happy to sport a single one in the middle of a dress bodice or top. This Brass and Pearl Clip is layers of filigree topped with repousse leaves and ecru pearls. They can make quite a statement as this Art Deco Black Glass Balls Clip does. Or be simply chic like Art Nouveau Brass Clip. This is a sweet pair Pair Flower Rhinestone Clips. To see more, visit my shop at GeneralWhimsy2 on Etsy.

Monday, January 21, 2013

I was quite surprised when I picked up this Yellow Moon Glow Bracelet . It didn't feel like the plastic bangle that my mind and eye had decided it was. In reality it was glass! The whole idea was so novel and unique to me that I absolutely had to buy it. The lemony iridescent color was what first attracted me - something about bright and shiny objects - always my downfall. So smooth and cool to the touch, it just felt delicious. I couldn't get much history on this piece. One sister bought it for another in the 80's. It looks like it was secreted away in a jewelry box for safe keeping and never worn. In researching for similar bracelets, I found most glass bracelets are not wide and most often have rounded edges. Now I poke every bracelet I pass by in hopes of finding more yummy glass ones.

I've been looking at this blog for 2 years now and have decided come hell or high water, I am going to figure it out once and for all!My goal is to share vintage finds, tips on care and interesting information that I have come across. I just hope it is not another two years before I get my first real post up!Wish me luck...